Family members and close friends have confirmed that American soft rock legend Dash Crofts, who was one half of the classic 1970s duo Seals & Crofts, has died at the age of 85.* The news comes just days after producer Louie Shelton, who worked on hits like “Summer Breeze” and “Diamond Girl,” announced Crofts’ death on social media. He called him “our dear brother and partner in music.”
Family and TMZ say that Dash Crofts, whose real name was Darrell Crofts, died on March 25, 2026, at his home in Austin, Texas, from complications after heart surgery. His longtime partner Jim Seals, who was also part of the duo, died in 2022 at the age of 79 after a long illness.
Legacy with Seals & Crofts In the early 1970s, Seals & Crofts became famous as a key part of the “soft rock” and “California pop” sound. This genre combined soft harmonies, acoustic-driven melodies, and deep lyrics. Their most famous song, “Summer Breeze” (1972), became a radio staple and a defining song of the time. Other hits included “Diamond Girl,” “Get Closer,” and the controversial but important “Unborn Child.”
Crofts started out as a drummer before joining the rock-and-roll band The Champs, which is best known for the instrumental “Tequila” from 1958. After meeting saxophonist and singer Jim Seals, the two formed Seals & Crofts. They continued to chart through the 1970s. The two groups broke up in 1981. Later, they got back together for a short time from 1989 to 1992. Then they released their last studio album, “Traces,” in 2004. This kept their legacy alive for many generations of listeners.
Fans and other musicians have written tributes online, praising Crofts for his smooth singing, great songwriting, and lasting impact on the soft rock and classic rock genres. Moreover, his daughter Lua Crofts and cousin Brady Seals had kept the Seals & Crofts spirit alive by touring as Seals & Crofts 2. They played both the duo’s old songs and new ones.
